The Brewers trade All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Yankees following Juan Soto's departure.

The Brewers obtained pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. and prospect Caleb Durbin through a trade.

The Brewers trade All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Yankees following Juan Soto's departure.
The Brewers trade All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Yankees following Juan Soto's departure.

The New York Yankees are now targeting other top prospects after failing to acquire Juan Soto.

The Milwaukee Brewers traded all-star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees, the teams announced on Friday.

In exchange for Williams, the Brewers are acquiring starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin.

Devin Williams celebrates
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams reacts after pitching in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field.  (Benny Sieu/Imagn Images)

Williams, 30, is a two-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year.

In 22 games last season, Williams had a 1-0 record with a 1.25 ERA and 14 saves in 21⅔ innings, despite missing the first four months due to a stress fracture in his back.

Williams, known as "The Airbender," has a 1.83 ERA in 235⅔ career innings with 68 career saves. His wipeout changeup strikes out over 14 hitters per nine innings.

The Yankees have appointed Williams as their new closer, while Weaver will shift back to a setup role.

Devin Williams throws pitch
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park.  (Kelley L Cox/Imagn Images)

Immediately, Cortes will be added to the Brewers' starting rotation. In the previous season, Cortes demonstrated stability with a 3.77 ERA in 174.1 innings, resulting in a 9-10 record.

During the World Series, Cortes, who sustained a flexor strain at the end of the regular season, had a limited role in the bullpen.

The Yankees released Cortes because the team already had an abundance of starting pitching after signing Max Fried to a record-breaking contract for a left-handed pitcher in MLB.

Nestor Cortes throws pitch
New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park.  (John Froschauer/Imagn Images)

The Brewers have a prospect who can play at any position on the diamond, including second base, shortstop, third base, and center field.

In four minor league seasons, the 24-year-old hit .269 with 110 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Durbin struck out just 111 times in 1,216 minor league plate appearances.

The Yankees are reportedly interested in acquiring outfielders Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger to replace Soto.

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by Ryan Canfield

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